Does the OEM Toyota hood deflector work?

Not trying to start a Friday thread here. I’m on my second windshield damage event. This one is going to require a whole new windshield. I’m just curious if anyone can quantify if the Toyota hood deflector works to reduce stone strikes? It look nice, but seems almost like a decorative trim.

Has anyone had a similar frustration who has had legitimate success with the Toyota deflector saving the windshield?

Picture from the interwebz:

 

Don’t see how that would deflect rocks ...maybe bugs

 

I dont have any experience myself with the hood deflectors. But I have seen people put xpel paint protection film on the front windshield itself, which would definitely help to some extent. Just make sure you go to a reputable shop with xpel installation certification.

 

Have one on my '06 OR AC. Does help to deflect bugs, but stones kicked up by vehicles ahead can still ding the windshield.

 

bugs maybe, doubtful it would help with rocks.

my 2011 had 2 windshields and 7 chips repaired in just 4 years, all highway driving....these trucks have the softest windshields I've even dealt with and I've had a shit load of vehicles.

 

I had 4 windshield chips the first year of ownership then bought an avs hood deflector. Haven’t had any chips since except the time a bolt flew out of a truck bed in front of me and cracked the windshield in half. I get the occasional bug splatter but nothing major.

 

Is it similar in design to the OEM?

 

I think Toyota lists these windshields as a “feature” for these trucks. They are supposed to be sound-deadening.

However I agree they are brittle.

 

Looks the same and has same mounting position.

 

I have the avs one on my truck and so far all good . I didn't realize that some of them are actually a stone deflector .

 

My OEM windshield was replaced earlier this year with Safelite. I got the areoskin deflector and I already have pits in my windshield

 

Yeah that’s always been the promoted idea with these deflectors. That they create an updraft that blows the stones over your roof. The Toyota one just seems to not have any angle to it, so I don’t see how that updraft would be formed.

 

So maybe it’s more a problem with the design of the truck than it is with Toyota glass quality.

 

Sand grains maybe, but deflecting actual pebbles or rocks no way not with the equivalent mass at 45-65 mph, a deflector won’t do Jack D. Squat for protecting your windshield from those.

 

I have the AVS one which looks identical to the OEM one from pictures. I have had no issues with rocks hitting the windshield in 2 years. No chips or anything. But I cannot attribute that to the deflector. Probably luck.

It does protect the edge of the hood really nicely though. I got a strangely large amount of chips in the paint on that edge before putting the shield on. I also like the look. Its low profile and doesn't look "old timey".

 

Only reason I got it was for the leading edge of the hood / fenders. They had lil chips where primer was showing through.

 

I had this hood and fender protection film installed as an accessory on the 2017 Tacoma and a 2015 Highlander -- it has prevented paint chipping. Expensive, but I will always have it installed on any new vehicle. Plus no unsightly hood deflector.
https://parts.toyota.com/p/Toyota__...m---Hood-and-Fenders/69526677/PT90735161.html

 

I like mine mostly for looks, but I’m sure it has a minor effect. I have been nailed with rocks every once in a while On the freeway. I think the ceramic coating has done more to prevent chipping/cracking than the bug deflector.

 

Been wondering the same thing myself. My second windshield cracked at about 12k km. First one cracked at about 5k. Both times on the highway and i dont tailgate anyone. Never had this issue on any of my vehicles.

Im not replacing my second cracked windshield. When i do, i will install a film on the glass or a hood deflectod, whichever works better.

 

Yes, thats a great idea!